USA > Massachusetts > Suffolk County > Boston > Volume of records relating to the early history of Boston : containing minutes of the Selectmen's meetings, from 1811 to 1817 and part of 1818 > Part 19
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[76.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen November 22d. 1816-Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Lovering, Austin, Williams . & Phillips.
9 Jurors were drawn for Circuit Court of the United States .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen November 25th. 1816-Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Lovering, Austin, Wil- liams & Phillips .-
Passed the Monthly accounts .-
Some representations having been made to the Chairman against the livery stable proposed to be built by Mr. Horton .-- he now appeared, & also Mr. Bumstead the owner of the buildings nearest to the place where the stable is to be built-he proposed that Mr. Horton should set his stable ten feet back from his front line, to prevent the obstruction which he thought would arise in
206
CITY DOCUMENT No. 60.
the passageway .- A paper was presented by Mr. Horton, signed by the directors of the market corporation and by a great number of the neighbours in favour of the building being placed in a line with the houses .- Both gentlemen having withdrawn, the sub- ject was considered & it was agreed that Mr. Horton should pro- ceed with his building as first proposed.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen November 27th. 1816-Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Hunnewell, Lovering, Aus- tin, Williams & Phillips .-
Closed the monthly & quarterly accounts.
An application was received from the proprietors of stores, in Cheapside, requesting that the street from Cornhill to Dorsetts alley should be paved the present season .- it was voted, that the Chairman inform those gentlemen, that the board will consent to have that portion of the street paved-if the workmen shall think it practicable, upon the conditions proposed by the applicants that they will pay the expence of any repairs that may become necessary within one year .- and also on this further condition, that they will advance the money necessary for the work and materials-to be repaid from the taxes of the next year, without interest .-
The Chairman, Mr. Lovering & Mr. Phillips, a Committee to examine and adjust the account of Mr. Harrington for work on Mr. Pomroy's house in Bowdoin street .-
[78.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen December 4th. 1816-Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Lovering, Austin, Williams, Bray & Phillips .-
William R. Gray Esq. appeared to state his claim to compen- sation for expences incurred on his house in Bowdoin street, in consequence of digging away that street :- he exhibited the workmens accounts. It was agreed that the Committee on Mr. Harringtons accounts should examine those accounts and report the amount .-
Barney Smith Esq. executor to the last will of Abiel Smith Esq. deceased appeared and presented the certificates of property bequeathed by the late Mr. Smith to the Town .- It was agreed that the regular forms of transfer should be made on the certifi- cates & that Mr. B. Smith should attend the next meeting of the Board to sign the same .-
Mr. R. D. Harris applied that the passage way back of Mer- chants Hall should be lowered, to turn the water from the build- ing : and engaging that he would have the same covered with
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1816.
gravel-It was agreed to have the same done if the weather should permit.
[79.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Decem". 11th. 1816-Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Lovering, Austin, Williams & Bray .-
The Chairman reported that he had lately received a letter by the way of London from Mr. L. D. Lewinson of Koningsberg in Prussia, making enquiries concerning Mr. Moses Abraham Wallach. -In consequence of this letter, he had handed to Mr. Wallach a duplicate of the same: & that R. G. Amory Esq. counsel to Mr. Wallach had prepared a certificate that Moses Abraham Wallach was a citizen, resident in this Town, that he had married a woman of a respectable family in Boston and had a number of children. This certificate and a duplicate thereof had been signed by the Chairman.
The Committee for procuring oil reported that they had asked for sealed proposals from several dealers in that article-one of the papers being opened from Josiah Bradlee & Co. it was found they were not able yet to make proposals. It was. voted not to open the other papers, but that the Chairman should inform Mr. Bradlee that on Wednesday next, the board would decide upon their purchase for the winter .-
[80.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen December 18th. 1816-Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Lovering, Austin, Williams, Bray & Phillips .-
34 Jurors were drawn to serve at the Supreme Judicial Court -- Also 32 to serve at Common Pleas .-
The Chairman presented an attested copy of the law lately passed by the Legislature of the Commonwealth, empowering the Selectmen to alter & change alleys and passageways in the Town of Boston, and to regulate the raising of goods wares and mer- chandize into chambers of stores and other buildings .- It was agreed that the consideration of measures to be taken in conse- quence of this law be postponed to the next meeting .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen Decr. 24th. 1816- Present the whole Board except Mr. Williams .-
Voted, That Turner Phillips Esq. be authorized & empowered to receive all' interest becoming due on any notes, bonds or mortgages of the donation of Mrs. Joanna Brooker & also all funded stock being part of that donation, standing in the name of the Selectmen of the Town of Boston.
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
[81.] Mr. Charles W. Apthorp was approved as an auc- tioneer.
In consequence of a precept from Hon. Thomas Dawes Esq. Judge of Probate for the County of Suffolk, inquisition was made into the circumstances of William Thayer; certificate was signed that he was a person non compos mentis, and recommending that a guardian should be appointed for him .-
Complaint having been made that the measurers of wood on the Neck are frequently absent to the delay of the owners and drivers of wood ;- Mr. Lovering was desired to make inquiry respecting the same-and if necessary to look out some suitable person for that office.
The Chairman reported that a number of citizens had asso- ciated for the purpose of forming a nightly patrole, about Dock Square, Union & Elm streets-it was agreed that they should have liberty to make use of the lobby of the Selectmens room as their place of meeting .-
Proposals for another Association, to form a patrole in Marl- borough street & places adjacent, were received; the same were approved, & the gentlemen were assured of the approbation of the board, & of their readiness to do all in their power to encour- age them in their exertions to protect the Town & to preserve good order .-
[82.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen December 30th. 1816-Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Lover- ing, Austin, Bray & Phillips .-
A number of gentlemen having proposed to form a patrole watch in the south part of the Town ; & their proposed regulations signed by John D. Williams their Chairman-the same were approved .-
Passed the Monthly accounts .-
The following was moved & voted. That a committee be appointed to select and sort the bills for the various expences of the Town, and exhibit a statement, with the several expences under their several heads, to this board ; of all monies paid the . present year ;- in order that a statement of the expences of the Town may be published by the Selectmen if required by the Town .- Messrs. Hunnewell & Phillips were appointed on the com- mittee for the above purposes .-
Voted that the captain & company of engine Nº 7 be allowed to add four new members to their company in addition to their present number .-
-
SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1817.
209
[83.] Boston ss. at a Meeting of the Selectmen January 1st. 1817 .-
Present the whole Board. -
Closed the monthly accounts .-
Mr. William Lovering Jur. having agreed to supply winter strained oil for the lamps, for the next three months at 800 gallons per month, at one dollar per gallon-it was now voted to allow six cents per gallon for the delivery to the lamp lighters .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen January 8th. 1817- Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Lovering, Austin, Bray & Phillips .-
An application was received from the board of health, request- ing that measures might be taken to procure land for another burying ground-The Chairman was desired to notify the pro- prietors of South Boston, that it was the wish of the board to have the burying ground laid out there agreeable to [8.4.] the conditions of the act annexing that land to the Town of Boston .--
A number of citizens having associated as a patrole in Ward Nº. 3. requested the use of the engine house in Back street to meet in-It was agreed that they might use the engine house for that purpose, provided they would first obtain the consent of the Fireward & the captain of the company attached to that engine .--
Messrs. Oliver, Hunnewell & Phillips were chosen a committee to confer with any friend or agent of Ward N. Boylston & to receive propositions for adjustments of the claims of the Town .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen January 15th. 1817 -Present Messrs. Oliver, Hunnewell, Lovering, Austin, Bray & Phillips .-
Mr. Greenwood applied to hire the upper part of the old State House-the subject was referred to the committee who have the care of that building.
A complaint was exhibited against the truckmen for incom- moding the side walk on Merchants Row-The complainant was requested [85.] to hand a list of the owners of trucks usually standing at the east end of the market, who are to be notified to appear before the board on Wednesday next at 4 o'clock P.M .-
Mr. Stratton, in behalf of the third Baptist Society applied for assistance from the Town in planking a sidewalk in Charles
210
CITY DOCUMENT No. 60.
street .- Agreed to allow twenty dollars when the side walk shall be completed to the satisfaction of the Board .-
Capt. Francis applied for leave to take down a partition between the two armories occupied by the company of Rangers .-
Wednesday next was assigned for hearing Mr. W. R. Gray on the subject of Bowdoin street .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen January 22d. 1816 -- Present Messrs. Oliver, Hunnewell, Lovering, Austin, Bray & Phillips .-
Leave was given to Capt. Francis to take down a partition between the two rooms occupied as an armoury by the company of Rangers-on condition that the partition be replaced when required by the board .-
[86.] In consequence of an order passed at the last meeting, a number of the owners of trucks usually standing at the east end of the Market appeared before the board .- The Chairman stated the complaint that had been lodged against them-They were informed that the board would be obliged to remove them to some other part of the town, unless they would place their trucks in such a situation as to keep the street clear of encumbrance, & also prevent their drivers from incommoding the sidewalk on Merchants Row .--
Mr. John Pratt was approved as an Auctioneer .-
The Committee on Mr. Greenwoods application were requested to inform him that the Board would not consent to lease the upper part of the old State House for a less sum than $1200- dollars per annum .-
The Chairman informed the board that he had seen Mr. Mason respecting a burying ground at South Boston .- and that Mr. Mason had agreed to call a meeting of the Proprietors on that subject .-
The consideration of the request of Cyrus Alger & others, that the board would repair 4th. street at South Boston, was postponed to April next. -
[87.] Pursuant to a precept from the Hon. Judge of Probate for the County of Suffolk, inquisition was made into the circum- stances of Miss Sarah Lillie and return was made that she was a person non compos mentis, and recommending that a guardian be appointed for her .-
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1817.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen January 27th. 1817 -Present Messrs. Oliver, Hunnewell, Lovering, Austin, Bray & Phillips .-
Passed the monthly Accounts .-
15 Jurors were drawn for Supreme Judicial Court.
see another Book.
[88.] The Legislature having passed a law, wherein it is enacted " That no person shall raise up from any street, wharf or place of public resort within the Town of Boston for the purpose of storing the same, any cask, bale of goods, or other article of merchandize into the second or higher storey of any house, store or other building upon or adjoining the same, and on the outside of such buildings nor deliver any article therefrom by lowering the same on the outside of any such building-except at such times and places and under such restrictions and limitations, as the Selectmen for the time being shall by writing authorize & direct." -And the Board having given notice in the public news papers on the eighth instant that the law would be enforced after twenty days from that time .- Applications were received from a number of persons, requesting the board to permit them to continue receiving goods into their chambers from the outside of their stores :- viz. Messrs. John Carnes, N. Hastings, Thos. Jackson for Wainwright & Jackson John F. Priest, Wm. Andrews, Henry Gassett, George Brinley, William B. Bradford Jun™, Henshaw & Jarvis, Thos. & Ed. Motley & J. Scholfield, which were com- mitted to Messrs. Oliver, Hunnewell, Lovering, Austin & Phillips, who were requested to view the stores of the applicants, & report their opinion on the subject at the next meeting .-
[89.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen January 29th 1817-Present Messrs. Oliver Hunnewell, Lovering, Austin, Williams & Phillips .-
Closed the monthly draft .-
The Committee appointed at the last meeting reported, -That they had viewed all the stores of those Gentlemen who had applied for leave to continue the practice of taking goods into their chambers from the street, and that the stores generally were so situated that in the opinion of the Committee, the law will not authorize the board to grant their request-excepting the stores of Mr. Geo. Brinley & Wm. B. Bradford Jur. who they recommend to be licensed to take goods into their chambers from the passageway back to their stores, until the further orders of the Board .- They also recommend that ten days be allowed Mr. Andrews to remove his crates from Central and Fish streets .-
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
The foregoing Report was accepted.
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen February 5th. 1817 -Present Messrs. Oliver, Hunnewell, Lovering, Austin, Bray & Phillips .-
The applications of Messrs. Henry F. Barrell, Otis Norcross and Asher Benjamin, were committed [90.] to the same com- mittee-who were appointed on the 27th. Ultimo on the application of John Carnes & others .-
On the application of Thomas Hunstable (through Mr. Phillips) in behalf of a number of citizens associated for the purpose of patroling the streets of Ward Nº. 6. Voted, That the Board, approve of the association, and that they be allowed to exercise the function of watchmen, that Mr. Phillips be a committee to furnish them with watch hooks & six feet of wood .-
On the application of Col. Robinson, Mess. Austin & Bray were authorized to furnish the patrole watch of Ward Nº. 1 with watch hooks & wood .-
The Town Clerk informed the Board, that Barney Smith Esq. had transferred all the property left by the late Abiel Smith Esq., to the Selectmen, & had paid over one hundred & twenty one dollars -/100 income received by him on the same.
It was voted, to proceed to the choice of a Treasurer to receive & manage the fund left by Mr. Smith for the support of an African school.
The votes being collected it appeared that Turner Phillips Esq. was chosen .-
[91.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen February
12th. 1817. Present Messrs. Oliver, Hunnewell, Lovering, Austin & Bray.
An application was received from a committee of the Boston Light Infantry Company, requesting permission to take down the partition between the two rooms occupied by them as armories. The application was committed to Messrs. Oliver & Lovering.
Capt. George Welles has permission to deliver goods from his chambers in Court street, by lowering them into the street, at any time in the morning previous to 9. o'clock .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen February 19th. 1817-Present Messrs. Oliver, Hunnewell, Lovering, Austin, Wil- liams, Bray & Phillips .-
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1817.
22 Grand & 35 Traverse Jurors were drawn to serve at the Supreme Judicial Court .-
The Boston Light Infantry Company, are permited to take down a partition between the two rooms occupied by them, on condition that the same shall be replaced when required by the Board .-
[92.] Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen February 24th. 1817-Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Hunnewell, Lovering & Phillips.
Examined a number of accounts .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen February 26th 1817-Present
The Whole Board .-
6 Jurors were drawn to serve at the U. S. District Court .-
Passed the Quarterly accounts .-
Warrant was signed for the March Meeting for the choice of Town Officers .-
Rev. Mr. Ware to be requested to open the meeting with prayer .-.
Mr. Eliot to print the notifications.
William R. Gray Esq. having repeatedly made application for allowance for the expence incurred on his house in Bowdoin street, in consequence of digging down that street .- it was agreed to refer the consideration of his claims to Benj Weld, Joshua Davis and Wm. Payne Esqrs-The Chairman was desired to inform Mr. Gray, and in case of his objecting to any one of the referees, to agree with him on some suitable person in his place- & to attend before the referees to explain the subject .-
[93.] Mr. Francis Wilby applied for liberty to raise crates of merchandize into the upper lofts of his store in Salem street- the same was considered, and it was voted that the liberty requested could not be granted consistently with the convenience and safety of the residents of that street .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 5th. 1817- Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Austin, Bray & Phillips.
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CITY DOCUMENT NO. 60.
The Chairman informed the Board that Arnold Welles Esq. was appointed a referee in the room of William Payne Esq. in the case of Mr. Gray, at his desire .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 10th. 1817- Present Messrs. Bulfinch, Oliver, Hunnewell, Lovering, Austin, Phillips, Bass, Dorr & Silsby .-
This being the first meeting of the board since the Town meet- ing for choice of Town Officers .- Votes for Chairman were taken by ballot, and Charles Bulfinch Esq. was declared to be chosen .-
[94.] The oath of office was administered to Messrs. Bass, Dorr & Silsby, by the Town Clerk .-
34 Jurors.were drawn for the Boston Court of Common Pleas. -
Messrs. Hunnewell, Phillips & Lovering a committee to revise the standing rules and orders and to report .--
The Chairman was desired to take measures to have an adver- tisement inserted in the papers, that the vote lists were posted for inspection .-
A precept was received from [the] Hon. Judge of Probate for inquiring into the circumstances of Mr. Beckford, represented non compos .- Committed to Mess's. Lovering & Dorr .-
The Chairman & Mr. Oliver a committee to consider what measures were necessary to carry into effect, the new law for regulating public houses, &c .-
Boston ss. At a Meeting of the Selectmen March 19th. 1817. Present the Whole Board .-
[95.] Return was made by Mr. Henry Farnum of the expence of repairing the drain in Friend street, the account whereof being duly examined by the Selectmen was by them allowed ; they being informed at the same time that all persons concerned in said drain had been notified according to law and that no objection had been made. Assessment was now made, an order of pay- ment was passed by the Selectmen as follows, viz .--
Whereas a drain or common sewer has been laid in Friend street conformably to the directions of the Selectmen, the whole expence whereof amounts to one hundred & thirty two dollars twenty two cents, which expence is to be borne by such persons whose drains enter therein and receive benefit thereby-Where- fore, We the Subscribers, Selectmen of the said Town of Boston certify that having considered the same expence and by whom, and in what manner it ought to be paid Do Adjudge that the
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SELECTMEN'S MINUTES, 1817.
same be paid in the proportion following and by the persons hereafter named viz .-
Mary Noble, Joshua Emmons, Isaac Dupee, Thomas Tirrell, George Southerland, Joseph Couthony, Benja. Jennings, Isaiah Atkins, Henry Farnum, Daniel Bemis, Ebenezer Parker, [96.] Ebenezer Smith, Silas P. Tarbell, Charles Jones, Eliza Rogers, William Howe, Widow Gray, James S. Trott, Sarah Spear, Sam1. Richardson, at $6.62 each.
Notified Feby. 7 1818
And we hereby authorize and empower Mr. Turell Tuttle to demand and receive the same and to give discharges therefor .-
signed by the whole Board .-
Mr. Oliver to whom was committed the account of the hay weigher, reported that he had examined the account of the quarter ending Jany. 1. and had corrected the same, the balance due to the Town was $92.82 .- payment of the same ordered to the Treasurer.
Inquiry having been made into the circumstances of Ed. II. Beckford, return was now signed to the Judge of Probate, that said Beckford was a person non compos mentis, and recommend- ing that a guardian should be appointed for him.
Warrant was signed for Town meeting on the first Monday of April next for choice of Governour, Lieutenant Governour & Senators .- M". Eliot to print the notifications .- Rev. Doc. Freeman to be requested to open the meeting with prayer ; The Chairman & Mr. Oliver a Comee. to apply to him for that purpose .-
[97.] Capt. George Welles appeared to request that indul- gence should be granted him for raising goods from Court street into the second storey of the store belonging to Mr. Carnes, now occupied by him. Capt. Wells having retired, his application was considered, when it was determined that the indulgence requested could not be granted .-
The following report of the Committee on the new law to regu- late public houses-was read & amended and accepted as follows .-
see next page +v.
Abstract of the new law for regulation of licenced houses, in the Town of Boston.
All houses that shall be licensed for [the] sale of spirituons liquors, after the 1st. day of April next, will be divided into classes,
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CITY DOCUMENT No. 60.
to be kept by Innholders, Victualers, retailers & Confectioners. every person carrying on business of either of the descriptions above enumerated, must be licensed for the same, by approbation of the Selectmen & confirmed by the Court of Sessions.
Every person so licensed must have a sign in front of his place of business with his or her name thereon, and expressing the kind of business for which the license is given.
No Confectioner to be allowed to sell any spirituous liquors ; or any mixed liquors, part of which is spirituous ; to suffer any person to be drinking the same in his or her house or store or other [98.] place of business.
No Confectioner or Victualler shall keep open his or her house, store or other place of business, or entertain any person therein after 10. o'clock of the evening of any working day, or any part of the Lord's day or evening.
Every person offending against either of these regulations, shall on conviction thereof, forfeit and pay for each offence, a fine of Ten dollars, with costs of prosecution ; and shall likewise forfeit his or her license, which cannot be restored without a new recom- mendation from the Selectmen to the Court of Sessions.
This law will have no operation upon persons already licensed until the regular period for the renewal of their licenses on the first of July next. The Selectmen have ordered the publication of the above, that all persons who may apply for license in future may be informed of the regulations adopted, and may be prepared to conform to the same.
By order of the Selectmen,
THOMAS CLARK, Town Clerk.
+ v.
The Committee appointed to consider what measures should be adopted by the Board, for carrying into effect the new law to regulate public houses, report their opinion. -
That an abstract of the law be printed in the papers, for general information ; and [99.] all persons who wish for license should be directed to apply for the same, either as Innholders, Victuallers, Confectioners or retailers. -
That the following resolutions be adopted by the board. -
1st. Innholders licences shall be granted in places provided for boarding houses, taverns & lodging houses for strangers.
2ª. No Innholders license shall be granted for any cellar what- ever .-
3d. Victuallers licenses may be granted to cellars & shops where strangers are not regularly or statedly taken to lodge .-
4th. Retail licenses, to those persons who sell liquors by retail according to law .-
5th. Licenses may be granted to confectioners with liberty to retail spirits, not to be drank in their houses, shops or dependen- cies .-
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